Record number of runners hit the pavement for 50th Calgary Marathon

Calgary Marathon 2014

The Olsen family, dad Dennis, mom Tammie and boys Nathan, 10, and Matthew, 12, warm up in the morning sun before the start of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

A runner gets some major stretching done as he gets set for the start of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Morning shadows at the start of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Legs pumping at the start of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Run, run, as fast as you can at the start of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Shadows on the fence at the start of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Legs pumping at the 10k start of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

The start of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Everyone is welcome at the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

The ladies from GoodLife fitness warm up the crowd at the start of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

A swirl of activity in the Stampede grandstand as runners get set for the start of the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Women's marathon winner Emily Chepkorir at the finish line in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Women's marathon winner Emily Chepkorir at the finish line in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Women's marathon winner Emily Chepkorir at the finish line with friend Stephen Tanui in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Women's marathon winner Emily Chepkorir at the finish line with friend Stephen Tanui in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Men's ultra-marathon - 50km run - winner Justin Kurek at the finish line in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Men's ultra-marathon - 50km run - winner Justin Kurek at the finish line in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Men's ultra-marathon - 50km run - winner Justin Kurek at the finish line in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Men's ultra-marathon - 50km run - winner Justin Kurek at the finish line in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Men's ultra-marathon - 50km run - winner Justin Kurek at the finish line in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Women's ultra-marathon - 50km run - winner Beverly Anderson at the finish line in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Women's ultra-marathon - 50km run - winner Beverly Anderson at the finish line in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Women's ultra-marathon - 50km run - winner Beverly Anderson looks through her metal at the finish line in the Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in Calgary, Alta., on Sunday June 1, 2014. Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mike Drew/Calgary Sun/QMI Agency

Mark Pierzchajlo pours water into cups for the runners at the end of the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Medals for the marathon runners hang at the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 10K runners take off at the start line early Sunday morning. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Liz William holds a marathon medal out at the end of the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 10K runners gather at the start line to warmup before the race. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Liezl Guerlan (L) is embraced by Loan Orbase (R) after finishing the race at the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Yvonnne Chow (L) and Rachel Ruskey (R) celebrate at the 15th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. Chow was participating in the 50K while Ruskey was participating 1/2 marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Emily Chepkorir wins the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 10K runners take off at the start line early Sunday morning. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Emily Chepkorir speaks to press after winning the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 50K runners and marathoners lead the race off at 7am. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Kip Kangogo approaches the end finish line of the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. Kip was the male winner for the 2014 year. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 50K runners and marathoners lead the race off at 7am. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Kip Kangogo approaches the end finish line of the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. Kip was the male winner for the 2014 year. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 50K runners and marathoners lead the race off at 7am. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Super ladies; Leah Nichols (L) and Carrie Manitopyes (R) approach the finish line of the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 50K runners and marathoners lead the race off at 7am. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Super ladies; Leah Nichols (L) and Carrie Manitopyes (R) pose for a photo at the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 50K runners and marathoners run through the Stampede gates. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Brothers Leon Sutherland (L) and Arlo Sutherland (R) approach the finish line of the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Justin Kurek approaches the end finish line of the 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. Kurek was the male winner for the 50K this year. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Chris Johnston stretches early morning before the 15th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. Johnston was running the 1/2 marathon for his first time at the Calgary Marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Patrons gather at the sidelines of 50th annual Scotia Bank Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, {iptcyear4 in Calgary, Alta to watch the runners cross the finish line. There were around 15,000 participants in this years race. With variations in distance from 5k, 10K, half marathon, full marathon and 50K. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 50K runners and marathoners lead the race off at 7am. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

Frankenstein, the 50K runners and marathoners lead the race off at 7am. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 10K runners gather at the start line to warmup before the race. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 10K runners take off at the start line early Sunday morning. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

Holly Mandarich/Special to The Sun

The 10K runners take off at the start line early Sunday morning. Thousands of runners gathered at the Stampede Grounds for the Scotia Bank 50th annual Calgary Marathon on Sunday June 1, 2014 in Calgary, Alta. The event hosted a 50K, 10K, 5K and marathon. Holly Mandarich / Special to The Sun / QMI Agency

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This year’s Scotiabank Calgary Marathon was more than a run through the city.

It was a race back through time.

Sunday marked the 50th marathon, which has come a long way from the first race in 1953.

Back then only 19 men were at the start line, and the course down Macleod Tr. was measured by a car odometer, said marathon executive director Kirsten Fleming.

But Sunday was a record day for the marathon — with 15,000 participants hitting the pavement raising $1.1 million for 91 charities.

To celebrate the 50th year milestone, participants — who had the chance to run 5 km, 10 km, half marathon, full marathon, or ultra 50 km — went back in time, getting taste of the last five decades along the course, said Fleming.

“We had a Calgary Marathon playlist and there was music reminiscent of the decades of the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond,” she said.

By dressing up in their best retro-themed costumes, participants were also offered the chance to win one of three trips — to run in Barbados, Toronto, or Victoria.

The event is Canada’s longest running race, and has been so successful because of the team behind it, said Fleming.

“It’s primarily been organized by the same core group of volunteers for 50 years,” she said, adding founder and first winner Doug Kyle was in attendance Sunday.

What also hasn’t changed is how the event brings the city together.

“We feel it is a Calgary tradition... it is something that brings us all together,” she said.

“And it’s a great chance to show off our city to visitors and it’s something to be proud of.”

Lethbridge resident Kip Kangogo finished first in the men’s marathon at a record-breaking time of 2:19:47, while Emily Chepkorir of Halifax won for the women’s category, also setting a course record of 2:46:21.

The winner of the men’s ultra marathon was Calgarian Justin Kurek at 3:07:52 and Beverly Anderson of Red Bluff, Calif. for the women’s at 3:44:37.

Silver medal winning curler and honourary race chair Cheryl Bernard, who ran her first full marathon, was among a list of Olympic athletes who also took part in the event that also included gymnast Kyle Shewfelt and decorated speedskater Kristina Groves.